Burleigh Head National Park

Getting there and getting around

The park is at Burleigh Heads, which is on the Gold Coast, 90km south of Brisbane. If travelling from Brisbane on the Pacific Motorway, take exit 89 and drive into Burleigh Heads. Turn right onto the Gold Coast Highway.

To reach the northern entrance of the park, turn off the Gold Coast Highway into Goodwin Terrace. The carpark is at the end of Goodwin Terrace.

To reach the southern entrance at Tallebudgera Creek, turn off the Gold Coast Highway at the traffic lights near the QPWS Burleigh Head Information Centre.

For the safety of visitors, sections of the track skirting the coastline may be closed during wet weather. Check at the QPWS Burleigh Head Information Centre for the latest information on track closures.

Wheelchair accessibilityThere is a wheelchair ramp to the fishing platform on Tallebudgera Creek, at the southern entrance to the park. The tracks within the park are not wheelchair-accessible.

Visitors may glimpse humpback whales breaching in coastal waters during winter and spring, see white-bellied sea-eagles riding the ridge updrafts, or watch birdwing butterflies feeding on rainforest nectars in mid-summer.

Camping and accommodation

Camping

Camping is not permitted in Burleigh Head National Park.

Other accommodation

There is a wide range of holiday accommodation on the Gold Coast. For more information see the tourism information links below.

Things to do

The QPWS Burleigh Head Information Centre on the Gold Coast Highway at Tallebudgera Creek provides visitors with local and statewide information on conservation and recreation. Visit the boardwalk display at the Information Centre and learn more about the region's wildlife.

Oceanview walk — 1.2km one way (Allow 30 minutes) Grade: Easy This track leads around the rocky headland from Tallebudgera Creek to the southern edge of Burleigh Heads township. You can look at the tumbled masses of six-sided basalt columns, and relax by the creek at Echo Beach. You can either return by the same path or via the rainforest circuit path and Tumgun Lookout.

For the safety of visitors, sections of this track coastline may be closed during wet weather, due to the risk of rock falls. Check at the QPWS Burleigh Head Information Centre for the latest information on track closures.

Rainforest circuit — 2.3km return (Allow 45 minutes) Grade: Moderate Most of this track is an easy grade, but there is a steep section in the middle near Tumgun Lookout. The lookout is a good place to watch for humpback whales splashing offshore in winter and spring.

Picnic and day use areas

A council picnic area and toilets are located near the northern entrance to the park along Goodwin Terrace.

Things to know before you go

Essentials to bringBring and wear a hat, sunscreen and suitable clothing to protect you from the sun.

Opening hoursFor your safety, walk in Burleigh Head National Park in daylight hours only. The Burleigh Head Information Centre is generally open from 10am to 3pm weekdays, 9am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Climate and weatherThe Gold Coast has a mild, subtropical climate. Daily temperatures range from 20 to 28 degrees Celsius in summer and from 11 to 21 degrees Celsius in winter.